Julia Patterson to be honored by the Municipal League of King County

Former Metropolitan King County Councilmember Julia Patterson will be honored in April as the 2014 Public Official of the Year by the Municipal League of King County.

“During my time in public office, I always tried to do what was right for South County communities,” Patterson said. “The Municipal League is known for its non-partisan and rigorous standards and I am truly honored to receive the recognition.”

Patterson originally became involved in local politics when she felt that the County was ignoring the needs of her community. Together with other citizens, Julia led the city of SeaTac incorporation effort. In 1989, she was elected as a founding member of the new City Council. Patterson went on to serve in the state House and Senate, and served for 12 years on the King County Council.

“Julia worked every day as a strong advocate for South King County,” King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove said. “I am proud to call her my friend and mentor and am delighted that the Municipal chose to honor Julia with this award.”

During her career, Patterson served in leadership positions on a number of boards in the region including Chair of the King County Board of Health, Chair of the King County Council and Vice Chair of the Sound Transit Board of Directors. She is a current board member on the Valley Medical Board of Trustees and the Matt Griffin YMCA Board of Directors. Patterson also served as a member of the Health Steering Committee and as a representative on the Large Urban Counties Caucus for the National Association of Counties (NACo).

In a March 10 letter from the King County Council, Julia’s former colleagues congratulated her for this achievement and recognized her regional leadership. From the Council Letter:

“Not only were you a leader here at the County Council, but you also took regional leadership roles as a board member of Sound Transit and Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Policy Board, Your actions and leadership demonstrated both your dedication to South King County and the region.”

Patterson will officially receive the 2014 Public Official of the Year award during the Municipal League’s April 3 Civics Awards dinner. For more information about the Civics awards and past recipients please visit www.munileague.org.

Here’s the letter that was signed by all current county councilmembers:

March 10,2014

Dear Julia,

Congratulations on being selected by the Municipal League of King County as the 2014 Public Official of the Year. The Municipal League of King County is one of the county’s most highly regarded civics organizations, and your service on behalf of South King County’s diverse communities is truly deserving of such an honor.

The residents of SeaTac were lucky to have you as one of the founding city Councilmembers in 1989, as were the people of the 33’d District when you served as the¡r State Representative and then Senator. The citizens of the Fifth Council District were also fortunate to have you represent them on the County Council.

During your 12 years on the Council you served in every major leadership role including Chair of the Council. Your work to help build the Lake to Sound Trail will result in a cherished asset for all of King County. King County is a healthier place thanks to your five years of service as Chair of the Board of Health.

Not only were you a leader here at the County Council, but you also took regional leadership roles as a board member of Sound Transit and Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Policy Board. your actions and leadership demonstrated both your dedication to South King County and the region.

We would like to reiterate our appreciation for your work during the past 24 years at the city, state and county levels. Our system of government only works when dedicated individuals choose to set aside other career goals and personal privacy to seek out elected office. You always put your community first and worked tirelessly on behalf of the people you served.

Vague derogations need to be backed up by specifics, especially, if you are claiming that Ms. Patterson deliberately harmed the interests of South King County residents. Or are you simply expressing a difference over sincerely held political views?

The award for Julia Patterson, will be the last….
I support Ear Gipson….
The Republican party are watching, and there will be a Republican candidate
who will know and will win over Julia Patterson, on the next election.
The FUTURE Republican candidate will find out that Patterson has damaged
the South King County by the Left.
Look at Forida, they just got their Republican congressman or senator elected
this past week. GOOD!!! Thank God….

Vague derogations. OK here’s some. Backing the current city council by stacking the deck with the progressive liberals. This city HAS been harmed a lot by her actions and the actions of those she helped put on the council. We could start with the $15 an hour wage and need I go on from there?
Sorry, no award necessary